Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
How a $5 bet led this local banker to run the New York City Marathon—his first race ever
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What’s the most outrageous bet you’ve ever made—and won?
For local banker Jeremy Tuggle, that’s an easy question to answer: it’s the time a $5 bet led him to complete the grueling New York City Marathon.
Meet Jeremy Tuggle
Born and raised in Birmingham, Jeremy attended Minor High School in northwest Jefferson County before attending the University of Alabama.
At UA, Jeremy met his wife, Lauren. Now, the couple live together in Trussville, where they’re raising their four children.
For the past 13 years, Jeremy has worked at the Trussville location of Bryant Bank, a locally-owned bank with 18 branches throughout Alabama.
“The best part of my job is getting to work with my friends and neighbors in the community and helping them succeed.
We celebrate those successes together, but if times get tough, we’ve created an environment where they aren’t afraid to ring me up and say, ‘Jeremy, I’ve got a problem.’ Then, we can figure out a way to work through it.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
When he’s not helping his customers at Bryant Bank, Jeremy loves to spend his time giving back to the community.
For instance, he started volunteering to read at the local elementary school when his kids were in kindergarten.
Although his children are older now, he still volunteers every Wednesday.
“I love spending time reading to the kids. No one is too cool for a kindergartner; it’s all about your energy.
It doesn’t matter what you’re saying, if you bring the energy, they’ll match it—and it’s awesome.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
Running the New York City Marathon
Jeremy’s journey to the New York City Marathon began when two college friends pressured him into giving it a shot.
“At first I told them, ‘You’re crazy. I can’t do this! I’ll come with you and eat a pizza while I watch you run.’
Then, they resorted to peer pressure: ‘We’re turning 40—if not now, when will you ever do this?’
They finally convinced me, and I signed up for the New York City Marathon.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
Shortly after he signed up, the 2020 New York City Marathon was canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Jeremy joked that he might have been the only person in the country who was relieved when things started shutting down—he thought he was off the hook for the marathon.
However, Jeremy’s shot at the New York City Marathon wasn’t quite canceled—only postponed.
A side bet changes everything
When the race was rescheduled—and it became clear that Jeremy would be running a marathon—he started receiving some light-hearted guff from his friends.
“One of my other buddies got wind that I was doing the marathon, and he started saying there was no way I would complete it.
I’m stubborn and competitive, so I bet him $5 that I would complete the marathon.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
With some serious money on the line, Jeremy took his training to the next level.
However, this was the first race Jeremy ever trained for—equivalent to jumping in the deep end after only a few swimming lessons.
November 6, 2022: Race Day
By the time race day rolled around—November 6, 2022—Jeremy was working through several running-related injuries.
To make matters worse, it was one of the hottest New York City Marathons on record.
“Once we got to mile 20, it looked like a war zone. There were literally people laying on the streets with IVs.
Training in Alabama gave me a bit of a leg up, since it’s always hot and humid here.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
Despite the challenges, Jeremy pushed through mile after strenuous mile.
“There were two million people lining the streets along the route, all cheering you on. It was the closest I’ll ever be to feeling like a professional athlete. Those last six miles were misery, but I got it finished.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
After several grueling hours, Jeremy crossed the finish line and completed his first marathon—winning the $5 bet with his friend.
“Even when I crossed mile marker 25, I wasn’t sure I’d finish. The pain was that unbearable.
But I kept pushing and ended up winning a $5 bill that I’ll never cash.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
What’s next for Jeremy Tuggle?
With the experience of a full marathon under his belt, Jeremy admits that he has “caught the running bug.”
“Running allows me to feel good about going to Chuy’s twice a week—I could drown in chips and creamy jalapeño, and it’ll be okay because I’m going to run 45 miles that week.”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
But the real question is: will he run another marathon?
“Who knows, I may end up running another marathon—I’m just waiting on someone to bet me another $5!”
Jeremy Tuggle, Trussville City President, Bryant Bank
Meet Jeremy Tuggle + other incredible employees by visiting Bryant Bank’s Trussville branch, 137 Main St, Trussville, AL 35173.
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